Boulevardier
A whiskey-laced cousin of the Negroni that blends bold American bourbon with bitter Campari and sweet vermouth for a warming, ruby-hued sipper.
29%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
rocks
Glass
History & Heritage
“American expat Erskine Gwynne popularized the Boulevardier in 1920s Paris, where it appeared in Harry McElhone's 1927 *Barflies and Cocktails* as his signature drink. Originally served in equal parts, modern bartenders favor more whiskey to balance Campari's bitterness. Long overshadowed by the Negroni, the Boulevardier resurfaced with the craft cocktail renaissance and is now prized for its depth in cooler months.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or rocks glass
Combine bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice
Stir 20–30 seconds until silky and cold
Strain over a large ice cube or into a chilled coupe
Express an orange peel over the drink and place as garnish
Glassware
Served over ice in a rocks glass
Garnish
Express oils over drink
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Keep vermouth refrigerated to preserve freshness
Try a high-rye bourbon or swap in rye for extra spice
Serve up for elegance or over a big cube for slow sipping
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
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Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Boulevardier.
Equal Parts Boulevardier
Returns to the 1:1:1 ratio from the 1927 recipe for a softer whiskey presence.
Changes
Rye Boulevardier
Uses spicy rye whiskey in place of bourbon for a drier profile.
Changes
Old Pal
Dry vermouth and rye whiskey create a lighter, drier cousin.
Changes
Right Hand
Aged rum and mole bitters put a tropical spin on the template.
Changes
Black Boulevardier
Replaces Campari with Averna amaro for a darker, caramelized bitterness.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Mezcal Negroni
A 1:1:1 riff where earthy mezcal stands in for gin, giving the Italian aperitivo a sultry, agave-smoked backbone.
Negroni
A perfectly symmetrical mix of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth that defined the bitter-sweet aperitivo and spawned a family of riffs.
Negroni Sbagliato
Equal-parts Campari, sweet vermouth and prosecco build a bubbly, lower-proof cousin of the Negroni born from a happy mistake.